Theoretical genetics of batesian mimicry III. Evolution of dominance

This paper presents the results of simulating two-locus systems with Batesian mimicry, with special reference to the evolution of dominance. Systems with a single model, and with two species of models, and their mimics are considered. With one species of model, it is shown that either dominance or recessivity of an original mimicry gene may evolve, depending on the equilibrium state that is reached before the modifier mutation occurs. Using this system, we offer a possible explanation for the recessiveness of the mimicry gene in the Abyssinian population of Papilio dardanus. With two species of model, the system becomes too complex to draw more than partial conclusions, and it seems unlikely that considerations of dominance modifiers alone are a sufficiently informative basis for firm prediction.